I understand he’s better now, thankfully [Galliano is now two years sober, according to an interview with Vanity Fair in July]. And despite everything, I don’t consider the damage irreparable. Of course, there will be some who will continue to castigate him; to boycott his work. But what will that achieve? It’s important to forgive.

And the industry does need him back. It’s not been the same since he’s been exiled. Yes, there are still some incredible talents – Sarah Burton, Azzedine Alaïa, Meadham Kirchhoff – but John provided that unsurpassable drama. He is the consummate showman; a tour de force made for couture. He epitomises the escapist fantasy that fashion is all about. And it’s that we need so desperately. I’d welcome him back to Browns with open arms and I think others should too.

He’d need everyone’s encouragement though – the knowledge that fashion needs him to return. For John to re-establish himself, we all need to get behind him, from customers to journalists. Anna Wintour is hugely supportive and got him the job helping Oscar de la Renta with his last collection and now it’s being reported that he might stay on. It would be wonderful for him to get started again on that level.

The future for John is pinned on hope. But, whatever happens, I’d love the industry to remember him for his legendary talent and inspiration. In my 40-plus years in the industry, I’ve learned that some people are destined to transform the fashion landscape – John is one of these people.

My other most cherished memory is when he travelled to London for the first time on the Eurostar. ‘I couldn’t believe it!’ he told me. ‘We were in a tunnel, we came out and we were in England! It was AMAZING!’ That’s how he was – wonderfully naive and with a beautiful capacity for wonderment. That person still remains. And if we have to do without him for much longer, it would be a real tragedy.”

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Mrs B is...Outspoken: Why I forgive Galliano